BASF said the sale of the silicones business to Lubrizol is the result of a determination that the business is “not a strategic fit for BASF in North America.” The sale does not include any manufacturing assets. Lubrizol said the silicones acquisition expands its foam-control product line and adds other new products outside the foam-control market.
BASF said the sale of the Gurnee plant reflects the company’s plan to make greater use of partnerships, joint ventures and cooperative agreements “where it makes economic sense to do so.”